【New Model】Driftline
Light. Powerful. Precise.
The ultimate 3A weapon, perfected by a World Champion
"Driftline"
2011–2013 3A Division World Champion
Introducing the long-awaited signature model of mowl Ambassador Hank Freeman
"Driftline"
Available starting Friday, June 13th at mowl Osaka and the mowl International Online Store!
Driftline
Designed For : Hank Freeman
Diameter : 56 mm
Width : 43 mm
Weight : 66.6 grams
＜Development Background＞
Back in 2020, before Hank officially joined mowl as an Ambassador,
we began working on a redesign of the Oscillator—a model then widely recognized as Hank’s signature yo-yo with 44RPM—by shifting from an inner rim to an outer rim weight distribution.
Then, in 2022, the Surveillance HPF was released as a collaboration signature model based on the H-profile concept. The name “HPF” comes from Hank’s full name: Hank P. Freeman.
Left: Surveillance HPF / Right: Oscillator
Three years later, in 2023,
Hank officially joined mowl® as an Ambassador,
and development began on what would become his next signature model: Driftline.
After an extended development period, the project was finally completed in 2025.
The result is Driftline, a refined evolution of the HPF—
the ultimate expression of Hank’s vision, and his official signature model under mowl®
＜Performance of "Driftline"＞
– Enhanced Spin Power and Stability –
One of the key requests from Hank during the development of Driftline was to improve spin power, stability, and sleep time.
Unlike 1A models, where maneuverability is often prioritized, 3A models are expected to deliver unwavering stability, solid spin even with shorter strings, and consistent performance with minimal effort.
To address these needs, Driftline introduces a major upgrade over the Surveillance HPF by increasing the overall weight by approximately 2 grams—boosting spin power while maintaining the familiar handling of HPF.
The body was further optimized by thinning areas where weight could be reduced, and reallocating that saved weight entirely to the rim. This approach allowed the model to retain its light feel while dramatically enhancing both spin stability and sleep duration.
As a result, Driftline has evolved into a true 3A-specialized model, significantly outperforming its predecessor in both power and control.
＜Artwork and Color Variations＞
The initial release of Driftline will be available in two colorways:
Red (Matte Black Rim) and Royal Blue (Matte Black Rim).
These signature colors were personally suggested by Hank, based on the ones he has preferred to use on stage throughout his career.
The artwork features the eagle, a symbol of the United States, as its central motif.
By depicting the eagle holding a yo-yo, the design pays tribute to Hank’s roots at DUNCAN, his former sponsor.
The three stars, reminiscent of the American flag, along with the three arrows clutched by the eagle, celebrate Hank's remarkable achievement of becoming World Champion for three consecutive years.
＜Message from Hank＞
When Eiji first brought up the idea of developing Driftline, I was genuinely excited.
I had already been thinking about a few improvements I wanted to make, so the timing felt perfect.
The original HPF was incredibly playable, and it had a really comfortable feel on the string.
That’s something I absolutely didn’t want to lose.
However, during longer combos, its lightness sometimes made it feel a bit unstable.
And occasionally, binding with shorter string lengths was a bit tricky.
So when I began working with the mowl design team, our focus wasn’t just on adding weight.
We explored how to adjust the weight distribution without sacrificing the playability or the feel I loved.
We also made small refinements to the shape to improve how it feels in hand.
The result is a yo-yo that spins powerfully without feeling too heavy,
and remains incredibly stable—even at low spin speeds.
It binds reliably even with shorter strings.
After spending a long time with the prototype, I can confidently say:
“This is the best yo-yo I’ve ever used for 3A.”
Hank Freeman
Born in Ohio, USA, Hank began his yo-yo journey as a child, becoming the face of DUNCAN, one of America’s largest toy companies.
From 2011 to 2013, he won the 3A division of the World Yo-Yo Contest three years in a row.
Hank has lived a truly global life—spending time in countries like the Czech Republic, Thailand, Georgia, and Colombia.
His free-spirited lifestyle and ability to connect with people across borders are part of what make him such a beloved figure in the yo-yo community.
Now based in Japan, Hank continues to inspire players around the world as a mowl Ambassador.